Mark Watring
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mark Watring (May 2, 1963), born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico is a renowned Puerto Rican Equestrian.
Marks father was a soldier stationed in the military base of Aguadilla. There he met Marks mother and they married. He was raised in Puerto Rico where he learned at a young age how to ride horses. Little did he know then that someday he would represent Puerto Rico in the Olympics.
In 1984, Mark qualified and participated at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California in the "Show Jump" competition.
In 2001, Mark was named American Grand Prix Association (AGA) "Rookie of the Year". On May 27, 2002 Mark won the $35,000 Lexus of Glendale Memorial Grand Prix prize mone, at the Memorial Day Classic Horse Show aboard his horse "Sapphire". Mark bested a field of 25 starters with a double clear rounds and the fastest time in the jump off of 41.176 seconds. This win moved Mark and his mount "Sapphire", into fourth place standing for "AGA Rider" and "Horse of the Year"
On August 16, 2003 Mark represented the United States in the Pan American Games celebrated in the Dominican Republic. The United States won the "Gold Medal" with a final total of 13.66 penalties compared to the 21.87 posted by Mexico. When presented the Gold Medal, Mark unfurled and waved the Puerto Rican Flag. This win secured a berth in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
On February 15, 2004, Mark and his mount "Sapphire" came in third place in the "Bayer/USET Grand Prix, Indio Desert circuit III". He won $9,700 in prize money. Mark participated and represented Puerto Rico in the "Show Jumping" event in the 2004 Olympic Games.
Mark Watring currently rides and trains in Southern California where he also teaches both children and adults. His wife Jenny is the captain of the Foxfield Drill team. The team rides without bridles or saddles. The Drill Team did an exhibition in the 1984 Olympic Games and continues to do exhibitions all over the country, including in Madison Square Garden.
Total Money Won:
- 2004 AGA Series $1,050
- 2004 Adjusted AGA Serties $4,400
- 2002/2003 AGA Season $19,620
- 2001/2002 AGA Tour $13,000
